USTA Optimistic for Djokovic's US Open Participation Amid Vaccination Hurdles
ATP
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is hopeful that Novak Djokovic will find his place at this year’s US Open as the Serbian’s unvaccinated status remains a hurdle to participating in the event.
Djokovic opted not to get vaccinated against COVID-19, which has cost him a chance of competing in a few events on American soil. The administration of Joe Biden had a restriction in place on non-vaccinated foreigners not being able to enter the country.
So, as a non-vaccinated foreigner, Djokovic wasn’t able to enter the United States and play at the Sunshine Double in 2022, the US Open in 2022, and also the Sunshine Double this year. The restriction is supposed to be lifted by the time of the US Open, which starts on August 28th this year, even though it hasn’t been yet.
The USTA hopes that it will be, as their spokesperson Chris Widmaier told the Associated Press, that ultimately it comes down to what the White House decides, with the USTA having no restrictions of its own.
"Policies concerning access to the United States are determined by the White House. We are very hopeful that the policy preventing Novak Djokovic from entering the United States will be rescinded, or lapse, in the near future."
"No COVID-19 restrictions are in place at the US Open for any player, fan or other attendee. Novak, one of our sport’s great champions, would be welcome to compete at the 2023 US Open."
Djokovic himself has remained cautiously optimistic about his possible participation in the event, telling reporters that he’s eagerly awaiting some news like the rest of his fans.
He reiterated earlier that he would not regret sticking to his principles regarding vaccination even at the cost of missing out on events. Missing out on a second US Open would be very unfortunate for Djokovic because these are events that he could have technically won and added to his ever-growing tennis legacy.
But for him, some things are simply more important than legacy. It’s about being true to his principles which, agree or disagree with him, is something to be admired.
